How to Use Google like an Expert

So many people use Google to search online that the verb tenses of "google," "googled" and "googling" are now listed in the Merriam Webster dictionary. Even if you prefer other search engines, it is safe to say that you are familiar with Google. What you might not know is that there are some tips that can make you a Google über-user. If you use Google on a daily basis, these tips might help you learn to make even better use of it. If you do not normally use Google, these tips may just encourage you to start.

Are you the phone a friend lifeline for your buddy who just made it onto "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" Or perhaps the radio station is on the phone, and the DJ says if you can answer his question, you will score free concert tickets. If you need the correct response and you need it NOW, ask Google a fill-in-the-blank question by using an asterisk. Type in "Elvis Presley's birthday is *" (minus the quotation marks) and search. You will be quickly rewarded with the answer (which is January 8, 1935, by the way).

At times, you may find yourself looking for specific information on a particular website. You know there was a great lemon bar recipe at TheDabblingMum.com, but no matter how you scour the site you simply cannot locate it. Let Google find it for you. Enter the term you are searching for, leave a space, then enter the word "site" followed directly by a colon and the web address. For those lemon bars, you would Google "lemon bars site:thedabblingmum.com," again without quotes, of course. (And yes, if you try the lemon bar search, that was shameless plugging!)

Do time zones baffle you? They do me! Maybe you want to phone your Aunt Clementine, who lives in Rockmart, Georgia. You live in Seaside, Oregon, and you are not sure if it is too late to call. Google "what time is it in Rockmart Georgia" or simply "time Rockmart GA" and you will have an automatic answer.

If you are getting ready to travel, or simply head out the door in the morning, knowing what the weather will be like helps you prepare. Waiting for the news channel to show the forecast can be frustrating. Google it instead and wait no more. Simply type in the word "weather" and either the zip code or name of the location. For instance, googling "weather 14701" gives me the current conditions and a four-day forecast for Jamestown, New York.

If you like a certain site, Google can help you find other sites that might be similar. Type in "related:" and the name of the site you are fond of and google away. For example, if you Google "related:associatedcontent.com," you will be presented results such as Helium and Suite 101.

Doing some recipe modification and need to know how many tablespoons are in a cup? Type "1 cup in tablespoons" and Google's built-in calculator will provide the answer (if you are curious, it is 16). The Google calculator will also compute searches such as "1 dollar in Euros," and "one meter in miles."

Asking Google to "define:quinoa" will get you an instant list of dictionary entries and pronunciations. Googling "328/52=" will provide you with a result of "6.30769231." If you have a missed call on the caller ID and do not recognize the number, google it in the following format: (XXX) XXX-XXXX. If it is listed, you will be shown the caller's name and even their address. The best Google search tip I can give you is this: the next time you have a question or need some quick, basic information, come right out and ask Google for it. It may not give you the specific answer up front, but there is a good chance it actually will.